Culture

Eco-tourism expands in Morocco

Published

3 months ago

September 2, 2024

The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism says eco-tourism is slowly expanding in the country, especially in the Agafay region, which is approximately 35 kilometres from the city of Marrakech, the tourism hub of the North African country.

The Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, had announced in June that sustainability is a paramount focus for the country’s tourism sector and as such, the country was taking deliberate steps to harness its potentials.

“Here in Morocco’s Agafay region, tourists get ready for the ultimate desert experience – a camel ride,” Ammor had said.

“It’s’s the best mode of transport for exploring the local area, and an example of the eco-tourism activities the North African nation is trying to promote.

A statement by the Minister noted that during the first half of June, Morocco received 17.6 million tourists, with eco-tourism accounting for 5% of this number. Around 3% of the ecotourism is here in the Agafay region.

One of the region’s first eco-tourism projects was Kasbah Agafay Hotel and Spa – a traditional-style Kasbah, offering guests the opportunity to soak in the local culture through various activities, the statement said.

The owner of the spa, Abdessalam Damoussi bought the centuries old stone house in 1996 and spent four years renovating it as sustainably as possible, using natural materials sourced locally.

It opened in 2000 and was the first project of its type in the Agafay desert – a hotel celebrating the nature and community surrounding it.

Damoussi, speaking on the project, said it the was inspired by a book he read highlighting the importance of the connection between humans and the land.

“I have relied on a book written by a friend of mine, Prince Sultan bin Salman, who wrote an extraordinary book called ‘Back to Earth,’ and this was like my instrument that I used to do this work, I studied it, I did research, and in it, he really goes profoundly on why man should be back to Earth,” he says.

Since 2018, other tourism businesses have begun to apply similar ideas in the same area, which is currently witnessing an influx – Damoussi’s Kasbah welcomes around 5,000 tourists per year.

Damoussi receives tourists from all over the world, showing them how to embrace and preserve the natural environment surrounding them.

“The experiences offered to guests here include camel and horse riding, hiking, performances by local musicians, spa and hammam treatments and cooking classes.

“The cooking class includes access to their garden, which is rich in organic vegetables, fruits and natural herbs. These ingredients are picked and then used to prepare meals.

“Guests, with the help of a chef, prepare the food in an open kitchen in the middle of the garden. The experience allows visitors to learn about the source of the food and its cultural significance,” he added.

Related Topics:Eco-Tourism Featured Morocco Tourism

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Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

8 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.

Culture

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set to drop on November 20.

According to a statement by her management team, Tyla’s fans should expect something different from the “Water” singer as she is set to release a brand-new single in collaboration with Coke Studio.

“This exciting partnership follows her announcement as part of the Coke Studio 2024 line-up alongside R&B star Usher Raymond in September,” the statement said.

Tyla who is fondly called the “Pretty girl from Joburg,” also took to her Instagram page to share the news with her fans.

Posting a snippet of the video on her Instagram story with the caption, “‘Tears’ coming November 20th! A song in partnership with @CocaCola”, confirming the November release date, she urged her fans to look forward to something different from what they are used to.

The brand has also shared on its social media platforms that Tyla will be performing this highly-anticipated single when she returns to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a special Coke Studio live event.

In an interview with Coke Studio, the 22-year-old singer shared how she breaks away from her original sound with “Tears”.

“I feel like in a lot of my songs, I’m dancing a lot. I really wanted a song where I could just sing, be more raw with people, and showcase my voice this time,” she said.

Snippets from the new single has showcases Tyla’s enchanting vocals, revealing a more vulnerable side that is different from her previous work.

“Breaking away from the amapiano and pop sound she’s best known for, Tyla embarks on an exciting new journey with this project,” one of the reviews said.

“Through “Tears”, she wants to connect with listeners in a raw, captivating way as she partners with Coke Studio to bring this new sound to life.’